My name is Lassie; I am a Border Collie. I was born three years ago on Easter Sunday. My parents were working sheepdogs on a farm. There were six of us in the litter; I had two sisters and three brothers. When it came time for us to go to our new homes we were very excited, wondering what the future would hold for us. By the time my new mum came to choose one of us all my brothers had gone. There was just me and my two sisters left.
My mum picked us up one by one; she picked me up first, and I hoped she would choose me; then she picked up my sisters. I started to wonder how she would know me again as we were all running about, and got mixed up in all the excitment then she picked me up again. I had tear stains around my eyes; I heard my new mum say that they were tear stains; she held me very close and said I was just right, that I was the one for her. Then she made me a promise, she promised me that she would always love me and that I was going to have such a good life; that sounded ok to me. Mum paid some money to the lady and then it was time for the car ride to my new home.
That was fun; the sun was shining and I had my face by the half open window, everything smelt lovely as we traveled along the country lanes. The whole world was rushing past. I was so happy; I arrived at my new home in the early evening. There was a small dog there called Toby. He was to become by best friend; he was so excited when he saw me. I was a little bit worried as I heard my mum saying she didn’t know how Toby would react to me, but he thought I was great. He washed me and slept with me all night.
The next day I was taken to see Lois my vet; he was a kind man and said I was fine, and healthy. I had something called an injection; it didn’t hurt and I was very excited about all the things that were happening to me. Toby played with me and taught me lots of things, like how to bark at the postman. Mummy said that was naughty, but it was fun. We shared everything together Toby and me.
For the next 18 months I had a wonderful time; I grew big and strong. Then one day my mum looked sad, she brought Toby to me and told me to kiss him goodbye. I kissed his face and cuddled him, but he didn’t want to know, he just looked at me. Then mummy carried Toby out through the door; I never saw him again after that.
When mummy came home she was carrying a blanket with something wrapped up in it, but my Toby had gone. I didn’t realize that it was Toby who was wrapped in the blanket; he had gone to Heaven. My mummy was crying, and I didn’t know what to do. I missed Toby and suddenly life was not too good at all. I was lonely and didn’t like to see my mum cry. Mum went back on the computer after a few days. She was not really bothered with anything, then she came across this site; she wrote to people who understood how she felt and eventually
she started to smile again.
When the spring time came we spent a lot of time at the seaside. I loved to run on the beach and chase my ball; I was happy again now but still missed Toby. One afternoon in the late summer my mum went out; she seemed very excited about something. She came home hours later carrying something in her arms; it was a puppy. I thought it was Toby come back; then when I looked I saw it was a different doggy altogether. In my disappointment, I growled at the puppy.
This little puppy turned out to be just as good a friend to me as Toby had been; she didn’t replace Toby but I love her. Now it was my turn to teach the new little one and show love and kindness, just like Toby had shown to me, and I did. I still do.
Holly is only a baby; I am a big grown up lady now, and my mummy kept her promise she made to me; she does love me, and
I am having such a good life.
So this is my story. Also a story of the love of three little dogs, who each in our own way has touched the heart and soul of our mummy.
Love from Lassie
Love you Lassie my big Girl
| Lassie |
| Kathryn/Lynne |